Author Support Services | Bringing your book to life

Am I Expert Enough to Write a Book?

Sometimes we tell ourselves we’re not good enough and more often than not, we believe it. Many aspiring authors and even established ones have at some point in time asked themselves  “Am I expert enough to write a book?”. This is a defining question; the answer can mean the difference between writing that book or pushing it back until the elusive ‘expert’ status is achieved.

There is a quote that wraps up what I believe about this:

“If the birds waited until they were expert singers before they sang their song,
the forest would be silent”

It can be easy to get caught up in becoming an expert rather than being or sharing your own message. To believe you have to accomplish more and more, collecting hundreds of testimonials, getting yet another degree or certification and so on before you could dare position yourself as an expert. But what really makes an expert? And what kind of book do you want to write?

While it is to be expected to have an background of degrees and industry based testimonials for technical and scientific based writing, when it comes to other types of books this isn’t always necessary.

If your goal is  to write a book that will share a message that impacts and inspires the reader from your own experiences – you don’t need to be a proven expert, rather you need to know what you are talking about, have a passion for the topic  and the content has to be useful to your reader.

Books like this are written in an easy to understand, flowing conversational style. Think of it like sitting down with someone and talking about a subject of mutual interest. There is no requirement to be an expert with letters to your name.  Of course testimonials and background degrees are great, and if you’ve got them I’d certainly suggest you flaunt them, but they aren’t obligatory.

Instead of focusing on what your shortcomings are as an author, think about what the reader is actually looking for. Put yourself in your reader’s shoes.  If you were reading this book, would you feel the author needed to prove their qualifications before you opened the book? Or would you be engaged by their approach, attitude and relevance to what you wanted to know?  Your response to these questions will help you decide if you know enough to write.

Do you want to learn more about how you can turn your dreams of publishing your own book into a reality? Join me as your book coach for my upcoming event on November 28th – Business Book in a Day. The small group workshop will be held in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Australia.  This one day event will help you to break down the overwhelming idea of writing to publishing a book, making the process understandable and do-able.

Topics covered will include how to:

  • Clarify your target market
  • Explore their needs
  • Create a book structure that showcases your expertise
  • Write in the voice that best suits your market
  • Fit your book into your business plan for maximum impact

You will go home with a personalised action plan to create your own book, with all the tools you need to get your book out there.  Instead of asking yourself “Am I expert enough to write a book?” you’ll have the confidence to exclaim “I am now ready to write my book”! 

Alex Fullerton is an author’s consultant and self-publishing specialist at Author Support Services, based on a pineapple farm in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Australia. She has spent the last sixteen years working with business people to create concise, compelling, and comprehensive books that complement their businesses and increase their professional standing. Alex is supported by a dedicated team who provide a full self-publishing service, from planning to printing and promotion.

www.authorsupportservices.com

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